I think that a side-opening door makes a lot of sense for cooking. I've bumped into more hot oven doors than I care to count, as I've tried to reach for some pan or other.

When I use the broiler, should I keep my oven door open or closed? This question came from a relative who was trying to broil fish in a kitchen not his own. At home he keeps the door open -- there ...

Think about the oven door as you build the walls and roof, looking for a stone that will fit well in the oven opening. Internally fired ovens should have an opening on the top at the back of the oven ...